Scolari concern over Portugal's 'inexperience'

LISBON (AFP) — Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari is concerned that his Euro 2008 side could be handicapped by the absence of talismanic players like Inter Milan veteran Luis Figo and PSG skipper Pedro Pauleta.

Scolari, who guided Portugal to the Euro 2004 final and semi-finals of the 2006 World Cup told local television: "We have now a squad with less experience and less leadership.

"Without Figo or Pauleta the leadership will come from a number of players: Cristiano Ronaldo, Petit, Nuno Gomes or Ricardo Carvalho."

Scolari, who is reportedly being courted to ...